Park Design for Community Health & Wellbeing

MIMI BURNS, ASL A , LEED APPark Design for Community Health & Well-BeingN E W M E X I C O R E C R E A T I O N & P A R K S A S S O C I A T I O N | 1 1 . 6 . 1 5

“PUBLIC PARKS AND RECREATION ARE THE GATEWAYS TO A HEALTHIER AMERICA , AND THEY ENSURE THAT COMMUNITIES ARE TRULY LIVABLE.”

-National Recreation and Park Association

COMMUNITY HEALTH

A 2011 STUDY CONDUCTED ON SEATTLE’S PARK AND RECREATION SYSTEM REVEALED THAT SEATTLE’S RESIDENTS WERE ABLE TO SAVE $64 MILLION IN MEDICAL COSTS AS A RESULT OF GETTING PHYSICAL ACTIVIT Y IN THE PARKS.

- N a t i o n a l R e c r e a t i o n & P a r k s A s s o c i a t i o n .

Parks provide opportunities for physical activity• Increases activity in children and adults

• Reduces obesity

• Reduces incidence of chronic illness

• Reduces stress

COMMUNITY HEALTH

COMMUNITY HEALTH

OBESITY RATES

T HE S T A T E O F O B E S I T Y , B E T T E R P O L I C I E S F O R A H E A L T H I E

R AM

E RI C

A

Parks Provide Opportunities for People to Connect to Nature • Reduces stress and anxiety

• Improves mood

• Provides mental respite, refreshing us for new tasks

• Improves interpersonal skills and relationships

Foster a Sense of Community, Altruism and Empathy (Mitigates egoism)

COMMUNITY HEALTH

COMMUNITY WELLBEING

“COMMUNIT Y WELLBEING IS THE COMBINATION OF SOCIAL, ECONOMIC, ENVIRONMENTAL, CULTURAL, AND POLITICAL CONDITIONS IDENTIFIED BY INDIVIDUALS AND THEIR COMMUNITIES AS ESSENTIAL FOR THEM TO FLOURISH AND FULFILL THEIR POTENTIAL.”

- W i s e m a n a n d B r a s h e r ( 2 0 0 8 )

Related Concepts• Quality of Life

• Happiness

• Individual Wellbeing

• Community Development

COMMUNITY WELLBEING

Certification Programs• LEED

• SUSTAINABLE SITES INITIATIVE

• WELL BUILDING STANDARD

APPLYING THE SCIENCE

LEADERSHIP IN ENERGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL DESIGN (LEED)

A green building rating and certification program that recognizes best-in-class building and development strategies and practices that will save money and resources and have a positive impact on the health of citizens, while promoting renewable, clean energy.


LEED

Relevant Categories • Sustainable Sites

• Water Efficiency

• Materials & Resources

• Smart Location & Linkage

• Neighborhood Pattern & Design

• Green Infrastructure & Building

SUSTAINABLE SITES INITIATIVE A rating system and tool for designing sustainable sites based on the organization and operations of natural systems


“ANY LANDSCAPE ...HOLDS THE POTENTIAL BOTH TO IMPROVE AND TO REGENERATE THE NATURAL BENEFITS AND SERVICES PROVIDED BY ECOSYSTEMS IN THEIR UNDEVELOPED STATE.”

- S u s t a i n a b l e S i t e s I n i t i a t i v e

SUSTAINABLE SITES INITIATIVE


Relevant Categories for Parks• Context: conservation and protection of aquatic,

habitat, floodplains; multi-modal connections

• Predesign Assessment: public engagement, integrative process, soil protection zones

• Construction: sustainable practices, land restoration, waste diversion

• Operations + Maintenance: renewable power, recycling, composting


Relevant Categories for Parks• Design for Water: stormwater features, water

treatment and quality, irrigation

• Design for Soil Stewardship: soil amendments, erosion, use of fertilizers

• Plant Stewardship: care, pest management, invasive plant management


Human Health & Wellbeing• Cultural and Historic Preservation

• Mental Restoration

• Support Physical Activity

• Social Connections

• Food Production

• The Local Economy

WELL BUILDING STANDARD

A building rating system and design tool used to create buildings that are better for people. Each feature references the human body systems that it is intended to benefit (cardiovascular, digestive, endocrine, immune, integumentary, muscular, nervous, reproductive, respiratory, skeletal, urinary).


WELL BUILDINGSTANDARD

Relevant Features for Parks

• Air: smoking ban, pesticide management, cleanable environment

• Water: fundamental water quality, drinking water promotion

• Nourishment: processed food, food advertising and food production

Reduce Use of Herbicides/Pesticides and Eliminate Use of Pre-emergents

Community Food Production

Drinking Water Promotion


Relevant Features for Parks • Fitness: exterior active design, physical

activity spaces, active transportation support

• Comfort accessibility standards


Relevant Features for Parks • Mind: health and wellness awareness, altruism

and biophilia

The World Health Organization just Raised the Carcinogenic Status of Glyphosate

Credit: http://www.nationofchange.org/2015/wp-content/uploads/RoundUpSafety.jpg

The World Health Organization just raised the Carcinogenic Status of Glyphosate

WELL BUILDING STANDARDFEATURE 10: PESTICIDE MANAGEMENT

R o u n d - U p

Glyphosate is regularly used in agriculture, public parks, school grounds and playing fields across the US and globally

http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_mA-s9buno68/TAffNc9L7FI/AAAAAAAAA74/MYOcH9gYCdc/s1600/Men+spraying+chemicals+without+masks.JPG

http://www.motherjones.com/files/images/777.jpg


Glyphosate (Round-Up) is regularly used in agriculture, public parks, school grounds, and playing fields across the US and globally.

Has a 60-day life…Do you know when they last sprayed your school?

https://d3n8a8pro7vhmx.cloudfront.net/yesmaam/pages/1053/attachments/original/1421187831/Spraying_on_streets.JPG?1421187831

R o u n d - U p

60-day life… know when they last d your school?

n d - U pWELL BUILDING STANDARDFEATURE 10: PESTICIDE MANAGEMENT

Round-Up has a 60-day life...

• 80% decrease in pesticide use• 88% reduction in use of the herbicide glyphosate (ingredient in Roundup)• Prohibited use of pre-emergent herbicides

W E L L ’ s M o d e l I P M P l a n : C i t y o f S a n F r a n c i s c o• 80% decrease in pesticide use• 88% reduction in use of the herbicide glyphosate (ingredient in Roundup)• Prohibited use of pre-emergent herbicides

W E L L ’ s M o d e l I P M P l a n : C i t y o f S a n F r a n c i s c o


• 80% decrease in pesticide use

• 88% reduction in use of the herbicide glyphosate (ingredient in Roundup)

• Prohibited use of pre-emergent herbicides

In New Jersey, all public, private and charter schools are required to adopt an IPM Policy that includes a school-specific IPM Plan.


In New Jersey, all public, private, and charter schools are required to adopt an IPM Policy that includes a school-specific IPM Plan.

PEST MANAGEMENT ACTIONS

Hand pull weedsMonitor weekly

Hand pull weeds prior to floweringMonitor weeklyMow or scythe to remove flowersConsider increasing desirable plants to increase good coverage

Hand pull weeds prior to floweringMonitor weeklyMow or scythe to remove flowersConsider increasing desirable plants to increase good coverageConsider solarization of soil and replanting with competitive plantsLast resort: spot use of chemicals

THRESHOLDS/OBSERVATIONS

Level 1: Presence of identifiable weed

Level 2: Flowering weeds starting or there is competition with more than 10% of intentional landscape

Level 3: Weed population is outcompeting intentional landscape or more than 50% of intentional landscape

I P M f o r S c h o o l s | H e r b i c i d e R e d u c t i o n

PEST MANAGEMENT ACTIONS

Hand pull weedsMonitor weekly

Hand pull weeds prior to floweringMonitor weeklyMow or scythe to remove flowersConsider increasing desirable plants to increase good coverage

Hand pull weeds prior to floweringMonitor weeklyMow or scythe to remove flowersConsider increasing desirable plants to increase good coverageConsider solarization of soil and replanting with competitive plantsLast resort: spot use of chemicals

THRESHOLDS/OBSERVATIONS

Level 1: Presence of identifiable weed

Level 2: Flowering weeds starting or there is competition with more than 10% of intentional landscape

Level 3: Weed population is outcompeting intentional landscape or more than 50% of intentional landscape

I P M f o r S c h o o l s | H e r b i c i d e R e d u c t i o n


Landscape RenovationSandia Prep SchoolAlbuquerque, NM

beforeafter

H e r b i c i d e R e d u c t i o n

Landscape RenovationSandia Prep SchoolAlbuquerque, NM

beforeafter

H e r b i c i d e R e d u c t i o n


HERBICIDE REDUCTION ACTIONS• Replace turf grass with native grass and

wildflower blend• Educate public about the change• Hand pull weeds (intensively for 1 year, less for 2)• Monitor weed growth weekly• Mow or scythe to remove flowers• Last resort: spot use of chemicals

A l b u q u e r q u e , N M

RESULTS• Eliminated use of herbicide in landscape area• Reduced water use by 50%• Reduced labor after first year: periodic

weeding; mowing/clean up 1-2 times a year• Landscape is an education area

C a s e S t u d y | S a n d i a P r e p a r a t o r y S c h o o lLandscape RenovationSandia Prep SchoolAlbuquerque, NM

beforeafter


Optimizing Community Health & Wellbeing

Design approaches that have a broad and positive impact on social, economic, environmental, cultural, and political conditions

STRATEGIES

STRATEGIES

• The Biophilia hypothesis suggests that there is an instinctive bond between human beings and other living systems.

• Park designs should facilitate this connection

BIOPHILIA

Improves individual and community health, environmental conditions (people become stewards for the environment), and cultural identity

(reinforces past and present ties to the land)

STRATEGIES

BIOPHILIA

• Improves test scores

• Restores blood flow & brain activity after mental stress

• Improves self-esteem

• Reduces anxiety

• ADHD symptom Reduction

• Restores Attention

STRATEGIES

S P E N D I N GTIME I N N A T U R A LENVIRONMENTS

AN INTERGENERATIONAL COMMUNIT Y IS ONE POPUL ATED BY MULTIPLE GENERATIONS AND MAY HAVE AMENITIES, AREAS, AND SERVICES DESIGNATED FOR SPECIFIC GENERATIONS OR FACILITATE INTERGENERATIONAL INTERACTIONS.

- U r b a n L a n d I n s t i t u t e

MULTI-GENERATIONALISM / INTERGENERATIONALISM

STRATEGIES


STRATEGIES

Design and staff parks to foster intergenerational interaction, and the improved health outcomes that come with it.

STRATEGIES

• Trails and Sidewalks for Walking

• Community Gardens

• Multi-Purpose Fields

• Dog Parks

• Picnic Areas

• Fishing Ponds

• Natural Education Areas


STRATEGIES

“OLDER ADULTS CAN DECREASE THEIR RISK OF DISABILIT Y AND INCREASE THEIR LIKELIHOOD OF MAINTAINING INDEPENDENCE BY 41 PERCENT BY PARTICIPATING IN A WALKING EXERCISE PROGRAM, ACCORDING TO A UNIVERSIT Y OF GEORGIA STUDY.”

- J o u r n a l o f G e r i a t r i c P h y s i c a l T h e r a p y , U n i v e r s i t y o f G e o r g i a


“DESPITE EVIDENCE TO THE CONTRARY, AMERICANS DO NOT FEEL LIKE THE UNITED STATES IS BECOMING A SAFER PLACE.“

- T h e C h a p m a n U n i v e r s i t y S u r v e y o n A m e r i c a n F e a r s

CRIME PREVENTION THROUGH ENVIRONMENTAL DESIGN (CPTED)

STRATEGIES


STRATEGIES

• Address Public Perception of Park Safety with Unobtrusive Design

• Natural Surveillance-Increase Visibility

• Natural Access Control-Define Property and Control Circulation


STRATEGIES

• Territorial Reinforcement- Define Spaces & Create Ownership

• Maintenance- Foster a Positive Image & Reduce Fear

WITH MORE CITIZEN INVOLVEMENT IN THEIR DESIGN, MAINTENANCE, PROGRAMMING AND USE, CIT Y PARKS CAN ACHIEVE THEIR TRUE POTENTIAL AS THE CENTERS OF THEIR COMMUNITIES.

- P r o j e c t f o r P u b l i c S p a c e s

CONNECTIVITY + COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT

STRATEGIES

Public involvement in park design can result in context and culturally responsive solutions, bring community members together, improve political conditions, and establish emotional connections to the facility.

Continued public involvement in programming, safety monitoring and maintenance can reinforce feelings of community and altruism.

CONNECTIVITY + COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT

STRATEGIES

A viable option for creating and renovating public spaces to further community and economic development goals - when it is just not getting done.

PUBLIC + PRIVATE PARTNERSHIPS

STRATEGIES

WHEN PEOPLE SAY THAT THEIR NEIGHBORHOOD L ACKS A SENSE OF COMMUNIT Y, THIS IS WHAT THEY MEAN. THEY FEEL THAT THERE IS NO WAY FOR THEM TO PARTICIPATE IN THEIR PUBLIC REALM, WHETHER AS USERS, AS VOLUNTEERS,OR AS FINANCIAL PARTNERS.

- P r o j e c t f o r P u b l i c S p a c e s


STRATEGIES

• Identify/create the private partner entity

• Establish a formal partnership policy:(Intent, key duties, best practices, renewal date)

• Establish ground rules on funding: (Commitment of public funds and use of private funds)

• Establish a policy for public participation and oversight

• Require accountability with metrics and transparency


STRATEGIES

DEVELOPING COMMUNITY SPECIFIC SOLUTIONS

WHAT IS ONE OF THE BIGGEST HEALTH AND WELLNESS ISSUES IN YOUR

COMMUNITY THAT YOU CAN ADDRESS WITH PARK DESIGN AND OPERATIONS?

Issue One

Strategies

Solution /Plan

Implementation PolicyProject Operations

Fundraising

PartnersPublic

CASE STUDY: CNM, ABQ NM

SEDENTARY LIFEST YLE LEADING TO OBESIT Y


NAME THREE STRATEGIES, ACTIONS OR SOLUTIONS THAT WILL POSITIVELY

ADDRESS THE ISSUE.


CREATE A WELLNESS PATH FOR STUDENTS, FACULT Y, STAFF AND THE GENERAL PUBLIC

Issue One

Strategies

Solution /Plan


Fundraising

PartnersPublic


WHO CAN YOU PARTNER WITH INSIDE OR OUTSIDE OF YOUR COMMUNITY TO HELP MAKE

THIS HAPPEN?

INTELLECTUAL WELLNESS STATION

WELLNESS PATH & TECH LOOP

C U S T O M S H A D E S T R U C T U R E D I R E C T S W A T E R I N T O P L A N T E R

P L A N T S

D E S I G N


WELLNESS STATION SPONSORSHIPS

Issue One

Strategies

Solution /Plan


Fundraising

PartnersPublic


CAN THE PUBLIC BE INVOLVED IN THIS PROCESS

AND BRING LONG TERM VALUE TO THE SOLUTION?


STEERING COMMITTEE- LEADERSHIP, FACULT Y, STAFF AND STUDENTS

Issue One

Strategies

Solution /Plan


Fundraising

PartnersPublic

SUPPORT

SERVICES/PHYSICAL

PLANT

KEN CHAPPY HALL

STUDENT

RESOURCE CENTER

SCIENCE

LABORATORY

BUILDING

TED CHAVEZ HALL

JS

STUDENT SERVICES

CENTER

MAX SALAZAR

HALL

UN

IVER

SITY

BO

ULE

VAR

D S

E

COAL AVENUE SE

TED CHAVEZ HALL

INTELLECTUAL

EMOTIONAL

PHYSICAL

OCCUPATIONAL

WELLNESS

STATIONS

WELLNESS PATH

& TECH LOOP

I N T E N T

The intent of the wellness path is to provide a safe,

attractive, convenient campus wellness amenity

in a manner that is efficient and well coordinated.

The wellness path has the potential for benefiting

all members of the CNM community by providing

easy, convenient access to a safe, attractive path that

is designed to be used for recreation, fitness and

wellness, as well as for improved campus connectivity.

T H E M A T I C F E A T U R E S

• distance markers along the trail

• themed stations located along the path that are

designed around one dimension of wellness:

intellectual, occupational, environmental, emotional

• signage is located at each station, and exercise

suggestions and tips related to station specific

dimensions of wellness

• plant selections at each station are made based on

their symbolism to specific dimension of wellness

• furnishings include a shade structure, lounge chairs,

picnic table, and seat walls

• music making equipment is included at each of the

four stations

• landscaping is included at strategic locations along

the path to provide shade, improve the appearance

ampus, and help connect Wellness Path

B I K E R O U T E M A R K E R

WHAT IS YOUR PLAN?


Issue One

Strategies

Solution /Plan


Fundraising

PartnersPublic

YouTHANK

REFERENCES“Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design.” National Crime Prevention Council. Accessed October 2015. http://www.ncpc.org.

Grahn, Patrick and Ulrikia a. Stigsdotter. “Landscape planning and stress.” Urban Forestry and Urban Greening 2 (2003): 1-18.

“LEED.” United States Green Building Council. Accessed October 2015. http://www.usgbc.org/leed.

Project for Public Spaces. Accessed October 2015. http://www.pps.org.

“Role of Parks and Recreation on Health and Wellness.” National Recreation and Parks Association. Accessed October 2015. http://www.nrpa.org/About-NRPA/Position-Statements/Role-of-Parks-and-Recreation-on-Health-and-Wellness.

San Francisco Department of the Environment. “Pest Management for City Departments.” Accessed October 2015. http://www.sfenvironment.org/article/city-staff/pest-management.

State of New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection Compliance & Enforcement. “New Jersey School Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Program. Last modified September 18, 2015. http://www.nj.gov/dep/enforcement/pcp/pcp-ipm.htm.

Sustainable Sites Initiative. Accessed October 2015. http://www.sustainablesites.org.

“Technical Factsheet on: Glyphosate.” Environmental Protection Agency. Accessed October 2015. http://water.epa.gov/drink/contaminants/basicinformation/historical/upload/Archived-Technical-Fact-Sheet-on-Glyphosate.pdf.

“The WELL Building Standard.” International WELL Building Institute. Accessed October 2015. http://www.wellcertified.com/.

Urban Land Institute. Accessed October 2015. http://www.uli.org.